Zlatan Ibrahimović Just Gave USMNT Fans a Reason to Believe in a World Cup Title

The USMNT is two games into the 2026 World Cup and they’ve looked legit. Really legit. They beat Australia 2-0 on Friday with both goals in the first half, and that win locked up their spot in the round of 32. It’s early, sure. But something about this team feels different than years past.

So different that Zlatan Ibrahimović is buying in.

During Fox Sports’ postgame show, the Swedish legend got a direct question from his co-host: one word. Can the U.S. win the whole thing? Yes or no?

Zlatan didn’t hesitate. He said yes.

The clip hit social media fast. Sports journalist Jordan Schultz posted it with the caption, ‘I couldn’t believe his answer.’ And honestly? A lot of fans had the same reaction. Because the USMNT has never won a World Cup. The team’s best finish was third place back in 1930 when the tournament debuted. Since then they’ve made the round of 32 a handful of times but never broken through to the final.

The U.S. women’s team is a different story entirely. Four World Cup titles (1991, 1999, 2015, 2019). The men’s side has never come close to that kind of dominance. But this year’s group looks sharper. More confident. They’re not just hanging on in games, they’re taking control.

Two games in and the U.S. looks like a real threat

Against Australia the midfield controlled the tempo. The defense held firm. Both goals came off well-worked sequences that would make any coach smile. It wasn’t a lucky win or a scrappy one. It was convincing.

Now Team USA wraps up pool play on Thursday June 25 against Türkiye. That game will set the tone for the knockout rounds. But if Zlatan’s endorsement means anything, the U.S. has already caught the attention of one of the game’s biggest personalities. And that might be worth something, even if it’s just a vote of confidence from a guy who’s seen it all.

The USMNT has not confirmed anything beyond the next match. But the vibe around the team is different this time. Fans online noted the energy in the stadium and the way the players carried themselves postgame. It’s early. But it’s real.